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Hamburg, October 15 – A new survey has brought to light significant discontent within the Hamburg police force. Conducted by the German Police Union (DPolG), the survey indicates that nearly half of the respondents would not opt for a career with the Hamburg police again if given the chance.
Widespread Dissatisfaction Among Hamburg Police Officers
The DPolG conducted the internal survey via email across all Hamburg police departments from late July to late August this year. More than 21% of the approximately 11,300 police officers participated, providing a substantial insight into the morale of the force.
Key Findings from the Survey:
- Lack of Appreciation: Over 80% of officers reported feeling unappreciated in their roles.
- Desire for Change: More than half of the respondents are considering a transfer to another federal state.
- Work-Life Imbalance: The majority of officers indicated that their work commitments outweigh their personal lives, highlighting issues with work-life balance.
Thomas Jungfer of the DPolG questioned the perception of the Hamburg police as an employer, noting its 2.5 out of 5-star rating in the survey. He emphasized that these results send a clear message from the police force to both police and authority leadership.
Criticism of Austerity Measures and Their Impact
The DPolG has reiterated its criticism of ongoing austerity measures, which include a mandate for police officers to work an additional hour per week. These measures are seen as a significant contributing factor to the low morale.
A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry informed NDR Hamburg that the police and the Interior Ministry take feedback from their employees very seriously.
Increased Complaints Against Police in Hamburg
The police’s complaints office reports annually to the Bürgerschaft (Hamburg Parliament) on grievances. In 2025, a significant increase in complaints was registered compared to the previous year, further underscoring the challenges faced by the force.
Context and Broader Implications
The dissatisfaction among police officers in Hamburg comes at a time when the city is addressing various other issues, including enhanced cybersecurity for universities and infrastructure projects affecting public transport. The morale of the police force is crucial for maintaining public order and safety, making these survey results a matter of significant concern for city authorities.
Other News from Hamburg:
- Enhanced Hacker Protection for Universities: The Bürgerschaft approved millions in funding to bolster cybersecurity for Hamburg’s universities, which are deemed attractive targets for cybercriminals.
- S-Bahn Disruptions During Autumn Holidays: Passengers using the S-Bahn will face replacement services due to construction work, similar to disruptions on the U3 line.
- HSV Extends Contract with European Champion Owen Ansah: Despite an ongoing legal process regarding a potentially refused doping sample, HSV extended its contract with Germany’s fastest sprinter until 2029.
- Nord Stream Trial Begins in Hamburg: The trial of Serhii Kusnetzow, a 50-year-old Ukrainian accused of war crimes related to the Nord Stream pipeline explosions in the Baltic Sea, has commenced.
- Antisemitic Graffiti at Othmarschen School: Reports of antisemitic graffiti at a school in Othmarschen.
- Bürgerschaft Debates Planned Natural History Museum: The Hamburg Parliament is discussing plans for a new natural history museum.
The DPolG’s survey highlights the urgent need for addressing the concerns of Hamburg’s police officers to ensure their well-being and the continued effectiveness of the force.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/umfrage-viele-hamburger-polizisten-unzufrieden,polizeiumfrage-100.html
